There are two big things to focus on in July here in Tuolumne County, and both are aimed at helping your plants beat the heat. The first is watering. I know… that seems obvious! But I’m not talking about a quick daily sprinkle—I’m talking about deep watering. The second is mulching, or top-dressing the soil around your plants. These two simple practices can make a huge difference during the hottest part of the summer.
Mulching: As mature plants naturally shed their leaves, let them stay where they fall whenever possible. Think of it as the plant making its own mulch. Those leaves help shade the soil from the hot summer sun while slowly breaking down and returning valuable organic matter and nutrients to the soil. Even so, most gardens benefit from adding a few inches of bark or mulch around trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetable beds. That extra layer helps lock in moisture, keeps roots cooler, and reduces how often you’ll need to water. Over time, the mulch also breaks down, improving your soil and making it healthier season after season.
Deep Soaking: Trees and established shrubs do much better with a deep soaking than with frequent, shallow watering. Deep watering encourages roots to grow farther into the soil, where moisture lasts longer. As those roots develop, you’ll often find yourself watering less frequently, giving you more time to enjoy your garden instead of constantly dragging around a hose.
Of course, every garden is different. Keep an eye on your plants, especially when temperatures climb into the 90s or higher. If they’re getting too hot, they’ll usually let you know. Here are a few common signs of heat stress:
Leaf Wilting & Curling: Leaves droop or curl to reduce the amount of sun and wind they’re exposed to.
Leaf Scorch: The edges of leaves become dry and brown before the damage gradually spreads inward.
Blossom & Fruit Drop: Extreme daytime heat and warm nights can cause flowers to drop before fruit has a chance to develop.
Sunscald: Tomatoes, peppers, and other fruits may develop bleached, blistered, or sunken patches on the side facing the sun.
What Exactly Is a Deep Soak? Think of it as watering less often, but much more thoroughly. The goal is to moisten the soil 12 to 18 inches deep, where most of the hardworking feeder roots are growing. Right after watering, the soil will naturally be saturated, pushing air out of the tiny spaces between soil particles. That’s perfectly normal. As the excess water drains away, fresh air moves back into the soil, creating the ideal balance of moisture and oxygen that healthy roots need.
Keep in mind that smaller plants, shallow-rooted plants, and anything you’ve recently transplanted need a little extra attention. Their roots haven’t had time to grow deep yet, so they may need more frequent watering or even a little afternoon shade during the hottest stretches of summer.
One last tip for surviving July’s heat: Don’t forget about your containers. Black plastic pots can become surprisingly hot in the afternoon sun, and that heat transfers directly to the roots. In a California summer, the soil inside a black pot can easily exceed 120°F. At those temperatures, plants struggle to absorb water and nutrients, and prolonged heat can stunt growth or even kill them. Since containers also dry out much faster than garden beds, it’s a good idea to check them every day and water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
With just a little extra attention to watering and mulching, your garden can thrive through even the hottest weeks of summer. Spend a few minutes each day observing your plants—they’ll often tell you exactly what they need. A little care now will reward you with healthier plants, happier roots, and a beautiful garden to enjoy all season long.
